Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr Car Review - April 2013

REVIEW
List Price: £14,605
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 7
MPG: 47.1
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 13.2 secs
BHP: 98 BHP
Range: 549 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The latest generation of Hyundai’s small family hatchback, the i30, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, is a real international effort. The South Korean manufacturer had the i30 designed and engineered by its European Technical Centre in Germany, and the car is built at its production facility in the Czech Republic. The new i30 range was released for sale in the European market by Hyundai early in 2012, with the 3 door version following later the same year. The £13,995 Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr continues in the best traditions of the brand by offering an affordable new car to the budget conscious buyer, but the latest i30 range also has ambitions of challenging its European rivals for refinement and driving experience too.

PROS:  Low price tag, impressive styling, comfortable ride.

CONS:  Unremarkable performance, and for low running costs you’d be better off buying one of the diesel-powered models instead.

Behind the Wheel

The entry level Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr is powered by a 1.4-litre, 16-valve petrol engine which produces 98bhp and 101lb-ft of torque at 4200rpm. It's not the most powerful engine in the world -- or, indeed, in the range -- accelerating from 0-62mph in 13.2 seconds and boasting a 113mph top speed, but is a flexible power unit which is perfectly adequate for everyday driving. The suspension is impressively refined, ironing out the bumps capably and giving a comfortable ride. The i30 feels well balanced too, with impressive grip and little body roll. The steering is less impressive, and leaves the driver with a feeling of detachment, and the road noise levels detract from the overall impression of refinement.

Looks & Equipment

The first generation of the Hyundai i30 was not without its charms, but its styling was instantly forgettable. The new i30, however, is a different kettle of fish and manages to be far more distinctive. Highlights are the front end, where the number plate takes centre stage in a hexagonal grille and bumper arrangement, while the sharper lines and more pronounced wheel arches suit the 3 door design in particular. The Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr is the entry level model in the current Hyundai i30 range, but even so comes as standard with power steering, central locking, stability control, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, alarm, immobiliser, and CD player with Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr comes as standard with driver, passenger, and front side airbags, and boasts top marks from Euro NCAP. Hyundai has acquired a solid reputation for customer satisfaction in recent years and the i30 comes as standard with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. The i30 is practical too, with ample leg and headroom for both front and rear passengers and 378 litres of boot capacity, rising to 1316 with the split folding rear seats lowered, which is more than you would find in a Ford Focus.

Value for Money

The Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr is priced at £13,995, representing the entry level model in the Hyundai i30 range. A combined fuel economy of 47.1mpg and 139g/km of CO2 emissions (Road Tax Band E) from the 1.4-litre petrol engine are acceptable, but the diesel-powered models higher up in the range are significantly cleaner and more economical, and also boast better performance figures. As a result, it is the diesel models, which start with the £17,490 Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Blue Drive 3dr, which will have greater appeal thanks to their lower running costs and improved specification levels. Having said this, the i30 Classic still represents brilliant value for money.

Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr Car Review - by 
All Hyundai I30 Reviews
Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 5dr Pre-Model - February 2012
The Hyundai i30 hatchback is certainly aimed at those who are looking to buy a budget hatchback, but the interior is not as cheap and nasty as you might imagine, with some refined features included...
Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort 5dr - March 2012
Hyundai have managed to produce a car that is very nearly as good as its European rivals. It doesn't excel in any area but is a good all-rounder and offers remarkable value.
Hyundai i30 1.6 Comfort Auto 5dr - March 2012
With the new i30, Hyundai are really on a roll. The i30 is very nearly as good as the European competition thanks to superb build quality and a good level of standard equipment. There really is ver...
Hyundai i30 Estate 1.6 Comfort 5dr - March 2012
Hyundai takes on the Golf and Focus with astonishing results. It's still not quite there but it's an excellent car nonetheless.
Hyundai i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium 5dr - March 2012
Cheap, economical, practical, good to drive, good looking and comfortable - it really is difficult to pick fault with the i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium. It does everything that the Focus and Golf do ...
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Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Hyundai I30. Here are some popular Hyundai I30 alternatives:

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